In a bid to curb illegal hawking and improve passenger convenience, Western Railway (WR) is set to introduce 40 authorised vendors on suburban local trains operating between Churchgate and Virar. The initiative, modelled on a similar system already implemented by Central Railway, is expected to generate an additional annual revenue of ₹25–27 lakh for the railway.
Western Railway has begun the process of appointing a contractor who will deploy the licensed vendors across one of Mumbai's busiest suburban corridors. Each vendor will be issued an official identity card and licence, making it easier for passengers and railway staff to distinguish authorised sellers from unauthorised hawkers.
Illegal vending has remained a persistent challenge despite regular enforcement drives by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Commercial Department. On average, 20 to 25 unauthorised vendors are caught every day on the Churchgate–Virar suburban section. However, many resume selling after action is taken, making enforcement an ongoing challenge.
Railway officials believe the authorised vendor system will create a clear distinction between licensed and illegal sellers, allowing authorities to take swift action against anyone found vending without permission. The move is also expected to improve accountability while ensuring that only approved vendors operate on local trains.
The authorised vendors will be permitted to sell only non-catering products. These include:
The sale of food and beverages will not be permitted under the scheme.
Officials say the initiative will benefit both commuters and the railway administration. Passengers will be able to identify genuine vendors with ease, reducing the risk of purchasing goods from unauthorised sellers. At the same time, Western Railway will earn additional non-fare revenue while strengthening regulation of commercial activities on Mumbai's suburban rail network.
The Churchgate–Virar corridor is among the busiest suburban routes in the country, with daily commuters spending nearly 1.5 to 2 hours travelling. Railway authorities expect the new system to improve the overall travel experience while discouraging illegal hawking.
Also Read: Mumbai Local News: Only 100 Licensed Hawkers Allowed To Operate on CR
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